Why it matters: The concert showcases local musical talent that organiser Rev Tom Mumford says the town doesn't "shout about enough" while connecting communities through music to celebrate Ipswich's heritage.
The details: The Charter825 Festival Concert takes place on Friday, 27 June from 19:30 to 21:30 at Ipswich Corn Exchange. The wide programme includes masterpieces such as Handel's Hallelujah Chorus and Beethoven's 9th, alongside the world première of Matthew Heyburn's festival commission, The Gipping Weaves.
Performances will also feature the choir of Ipswich Minster, Ipswich Minster Chamber Choir, Ipswich Choral Society, a choir of Ipswich children, Funky Voices, a Ukrainian duet, and professional soloists.
The festival includes historical walks, talks, an exhibition of art and poetry, a trip on the river, and various other events throughout 2025.
What they're saying: "Ipswich is full of amazing talent, and we don't shout about it enough," said Rev Tom Mumford, chair of the Charter825 festival organising group and vicar of Ipswich Minster. "This line up shows the length, breadth, and depth of it in our town, and I'm delighted that it is all coming together as part of the year-long Charter825 Festival celebrating the whole of Ipswich."
The big picture: Charter825 is an Ipswich-wide festival spanning the whole of 2025, bringing together communities, charities, faith groups, civic institutions, and businesses across the town. It commemorates the 825th year of King John's representatives presenting the charter to citizens gathered in the churchyard of St Mary le Tower, now Ipswich Minster.
What's next: A creativity exhibition featuring local art and poetry reflecting charter themes opens at the Town Hall on 21 June.
The bottom line: This concert celebrates Ipswich's values of freedom, opportunity and ambition while connecting the town's communities through music and marking a significant milestone in the town's 825-year history.
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